Touchstone

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 119
Date: January 2018
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group

This issue of Touchstone, a newsletter for the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group, delves into the intriguing phenomenon of subconscious siting, particularly in relation to ley lines and ancient sites. The primary focus is on a modern stone circle discovered at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, which appears to have been placed on a significant ley line without conscious intent.

Subconscious Siting at Shepton Mallet

The article begins with the author's personal experience of discovering a circle of stones around a Scots pine near the Townsend shopping park in Shepton Mallet. While not ancient, its placement on a ley line running from the Mendip Hills to Dorset sparked curiosity about subconscious siting. This ley is traced through various points, including a tumulus near Pool Farm, the Priddy Circles, and the Castle of Comfort Inn, highlighting the area's rich history and folklore.

The ley's path is further detailed, passing through the edge of a clump at Hill Grove, north-east of Wells, and continuing through numerous tumuli and ancient sites towards Glastonbury. It is noted that Shepton Mallet was strategically important for the Romans, who established a town there with villas, a pottery, and cemeteries. Excavations have unearthed early Christian burial evidence, such as the Chi-Ro Amulet.

The Fosse Way, a major Roman road from Exeter to Lincoln, is discussed as a significant feature in the area. The article details the discovery of a large Roman habitation alongside the Fosse Way, excavated in 1990, which suggests the site was important for around 300 years.

The Mendip Hills are described as an area with extensive evidence of human settlement dating back five thousand years, including numerous prehistoric remains like tumuli, cairns, and earthworks. The Neolithic period is highlighted as a time of vibrant activity, with many flint tools discovered locally. Maesbury hill fort is mentioned as a significant centre of prehistoric power.

Evidence of the area's status is further supported by the discovery of six Iron Age burial mounds at Beacon Hill, described as the largest known group in Somerset. Although largely destroyed by the Forestry Commission, Bronze Age barrows and a standing stone remain. An equinoctal east-west ley is noted running from Beacon Hill to Wells Cathedral.

The ley continues to Cannards Grave, associated with the legend of Giles Cannard, a 17th-century publican whose tavern was a refuge for scoundrels. Two versions of the Cannard legend are presented, one involving a disputed transaction and the other portraying him as a highwayman in league with Dr Syn. The area is reportedly haunted, with reports dating back to 1692.

The origin of the name Cannard's Grave is explored, with suggestions that it may predate the highwayman legend and relate to Anglo-Saxon terms for a grove or a kineherd (cattle herder).

Other Ley Lines and Sites

The article also traces other ley lines, including one passing through St. Peter's Church in Evercreech, noted for its superb west tower. Another ley goes to Creech Hill, a univallate hillfort with a Romano-Celtic temple and folklore associated with a ghost called the Bullbeggar. The ley then proceeds to Windmill Hill, Wincanton, and Nash Court, Marnhull, which has historical connections to Henry VIII and Catherine Parr.

A ley is described as reaching the parish church of St Nicholas, Manston, with features from the 11th to 15th centuries. This ley is noted to pass through 11 points on the map, including prehistoric sites and churches, providing further evidence for subconscious siting.

UFOs and Dowsing

The issue includes a section on "Light orbs at the Great Pyramid," referencing YouTube videos from 2012 and 2017 showing orbs moving over the pyramids at Giza. The author notes the similarity of these orbs to one seen near the prototype Concorde in 1976.

An article by John Humphrys about his experience with dowsing is summarized. Humphrys, initially skeptical, used dowsing to find a water source on his farm in rural Wales. The article discusses the subjective nature of dowsing and why scientists may find it difficult to provide objective evidence for its efficacy.

Early Ley Hunting Events

A section on "SOME EARLY LEY HUNTING EVENTS" recounts a trip to Avebury in July 1962, organized by the Pendragon Society. The trip involved visiting the site museum, viewing the circles, and discussing Tony Wedd's theory that ley points mark magnetic currents, similar to those identified by Aime Michel in UFO sightings.

Other Articles and Features

Tony Wedd's Trip to France: Tony Wedd recounts his search for mark points related to Aime Michel's orthoteny points in Burgundy, France, finding some promising similarities with leys and orthotenies.

Letters: A letter from Norman Darwen shares his experiences in Lichfield, mentioning the cathedral, a green man carving, St. Chad's Well, and a surprising sighting of an elephant from a travelling circus.

Films on YouTube: A list of YouTube videos related to earth mysteries, leys, and UFOs is provided, covering various locations and topics.

Meynmamvro: Information is given about publications related to ancient stones and sacred sites in Cornwall.

Booklets and CD-ROM: Several booklets are advertised for sale: "The Hidden Unity and Beginnings" (exploring subconscious siting and discoveries), "Earth People, Space People" (detailing extraterrestrial contact claims), and "The Legacy of Tony Wedd" (a CD-ROM of his exhibition).

Subscription Information: Details are provided for subscribing to Touchstone, the newsletter of the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ley lines, subconscious siting, ancient sites, archaeology, folklore, and unexplained phenomena, including UFOs and dowsing. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting personal experiences, historical research, and anecdotal evidence to support the exploration of earth mysteries and the potential connections between ancient landscapes and modern phenomena. The publication encourages reader engagement through letters and highlights various resources for further study.